The Daily Vet

The Daily Vet is a blog featuring veterinarians from all walks of life. Every week they will tackle entertaining, interesting, and sometimes difficult topics in the world of animal medicine – all in the hopes that their unique insights and personal experiences will help you to understand your pets.

JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC

Vet:

When Do I Need to Take My Dog to the ER Vet?

I recently had a friend ask me, in hind-sight, why their middle-aged dog died at home "suddenly." They had noticed that their dog was "off" for a day and had a "really bad night." In other words, their dog was collapsed, couldn’t get up, wouldn’t eat, and had... READ MORE

Feb 22, 2012 / (5) comments

What’s Breed Got to Do With It (Got to Do With It)?

Every year, lithe specimens of canine perfection strut the Astroturf runway at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. These four legged competitors generate public interest in a particular breed, but does this "Best in Show" benefit the greater good of dogs? READ MORE

Feb 21, 2012 / (4) comments

Taking Care of Your Cat’s Mouth

Did you know that your cat can suffer from dental disease and you might not even know it? In fact, veterinarians have found that the majority of cats over three years of age already have signs of dental disease. READ MORE

Feb 20, 2012 / (1) comments

For the Love of Lambs

As I’ve mentioned before, mid-February is the beginning of lambing season here in the mid-Atlantic. Although it seems a bit counter-intuitive for lambs to be born in the dead of winter, the 4-H show market dictates to an extent when the best time for lambing should be. READ MORE

Feb 17, 2012 / (6) comments

It is Not WHAT We Feed Our Pets but HOW We Feed Them That is Making Them Fat

The combination of treats, "people scraps," and feeding by the "cup" are major causes of obesity in pets. All lead to feeding too many calories. READ MORE

Feb 16, 2012 / (7) comments

How to Pill a Cat in 13 Easy Steps

Now, as a cat owner, I can empathize with those poor clients whom I send home with their choice of either the liquid or pill forms of antibiotics. It’s not quite as easy as it looks, and it wasn’t until I actually tried giving liquid medication to my own cat that I realized it’s much... READ MORE

Feb 15, 2012 / (3) comments

Pet Anxiety and the Heart in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Valentine's Day conjures up the classic image of a smooth bordered, crimson heart emblazoned on every piece of holiday paraphernalia. As I work in a blood and guts laden profession, my view of the heart is more aligned with the organ’s appearance inside the body, which is drastically different... READ MORE

Feb 14, 2012 / (4) comments

To Breed or Not to Breed

If you want to start a discussion that will get emotions running high, ask a group of animal supporters whether it’s okay to breed dogs and cats. You’ll get answers that run the gamut from, "No pet should be purposely bred," to, "Breeding should be encouraged because we need... READ MORE

Feb 13, 2012 / (3) comments

Is it Spring Yet?

The period of late November to mid February is like the doldrums for many a large animal practice. Days will go by with an appointment for horse vaccinations here, a call for goat hoof trimming there, and the occasional emergency laceration sprinkled in for good measure. READ MORE

Feb 10, 2012 / (6) comments

Special: How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. But before you love up your dog or cat, please be aware of some of the poison dangers that are associated with this Hallmark holiday (I’ve always hated this holiday myself, but hey …). A shout out to Pet Poison Helpline for sharing this information... READ MORE